Obama Drops Mic and 9 Other Highlights From the White House Correspondents' Dinner
And other "nerd prom" moments.
— -- At the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Washington politicians, pundits, and journalists rub elbows with professional athletes, Hollywood stars and this year, even a movie star’s dog.
With so many celebrities and politicians packed into one room, there were bound to be some memorable moments. In case you weren’t at the Washington Hilton for President Barack Obama’s final appearance at the dinner, here are the top 10 moments from this year’s glitzy “nerd prom.”
President Obama Drops the Mic -- Literally -- at His Final WHCD Address
President Obama ended his last White House Correspondents' Dinner address by dropping the mic -- literally. Holding two fingers to his lips, he picked up his mic, then let it dramatically drop to the ground.
“With that, I have just two more words to say: Obama out," he said.
Carrie Fisher Brings Her Dog on the Red Carpet
The four-legged date of actress Carrie Fisher charmed reporters by rolling around on the red carpet and smelling celebrity guests. Gary the French bulldog is Fisher’s therapy dog, and quite the celebrity himself. He has thousands of followers on his Twitter and Instagram accounts, where Fisher posts funny photos and videos of her very adorable pooch.
Bernie Sanders Comes in Business Casual
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who has claimed he doesn’t own a tuxedo, kept it casual at the annual black tie event by wearing a navy business suit and tie. At the dinner, President Obama poked fun at Sanders’ during his speech.
“Bernie you look like a million bucks, or to put in terms you’ll understand: 37,000 donations of $27 each.”
Helen Mirren Sports a Prince Tattoo
Academy Award-winning actress Helen Mirren paid tribute to the late musician Prince by wearing a purple lace dress and a purple, hand-drawn “tattoo” on her chest in the shape of the “Love Symbol,” Prince’s trademark design.
Washington Gets Star Struck
From the cast of ABC’s “Scandal” to the stars of the Oscar-winning film “Spotlight,” there was no shortage of star power at this year’s dinner and some guests couldn’t help but do a double take.
Donald Trump's Sons Stump for Their Dad on the Red Carpet
Back in 2011, President Obama poked fun at Donald Trump about considering a run for office. But while the Republican front-runner decided to steer clear of a room full of journalists, that didn’t stop his sons, Donald Jr. and Eric, from attending the dinner and stumping for their dad on the red carpet.
Washington Post Reporter Jason Rezaian Presents Journalism Awards
Last year, President Obama mentioned Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian’s imprisonment in Tehran during his WHCD address. This year, Rezaian saluted freedom of the press by presenting the dinner’s awards for outstanding journalism.
"This is a big, intimidating room, but I can say that it beats solitary confinement."
Vice President Joe Biden Makes First and Final WHCD Appearance
Vice President Joe Biden made his first-ever White House Correspondents’ Dinner appearance since President Obama took office, but he still wasn't safe from any swipes by the president.
Wilmore Roasts, Well, Everyone
Wilmore went around the room throwing punches and punchlines at everyone from President Obama to the White House Press Corps hosting the dinner. Some of his jokes visibly irked people in the audience, and he even faced awkward moments of silence and boos.Trump and members of the media took the biggest hits.
“It’s nice to be here at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where as you know they will it call it next year, 'Donald Trump Hosts a Luxurious Dinner Presented by Mexico.' We are very scared by that,” he joked.